Syrian Airlines Begins Rebuilding Its Fleet with Two Airbus A320s
AeroMorning — 31 August 2026
Syrian Airlines has received its first two Airbus A320-family aircraft under an eight-aircraft fleet modernisation programme associated with the development of Damascus International Airport with Urbacon Holding.
Key Aircraft Details
YK-AKI: Airbus A320-214 (MSN 3956, built 2009). Configured with 156 seats (12 business / 144 economy). Previously registered LY-MAD and operated by Lithuanian ACMI and leasing carrier Heston Airlines, including under a lease arrangement with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). The aircraft returned to Heston in July 2026, was stored in Baku, and was ferried to Damascus on 29 August 2026.
YK-AKJ: Airbus A320-232 (MSN 5296, built 2012). Configured with 156 seats (12 business / 144 economy). Previously operated as 9V-SLQ by SilkAir and later as LY-JAM by Heston Airlines, including for AZAL under a leasing arrangement, before being stored in Baku and transferred to Syria.
Regulatory & Maintenance Status
The aircraft were acquired on the international market following technical inspections, assessments and maintenance work involving Syrian engineers and two international MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) companies.
Both aircraft had previously operated within the European aviation and leasing ecosystem under established European safety and airworthiness requirements.
Both have now been entered into Syria’s national aircraft register.
Context: Heston Airlines
Headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, Heston Airlines specialises in ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance), charter operations, wet leasing and dry leasing.
The carrier operates an all-Airbus fleet of approximately 15 aircraft, including members of the A320, A321 and A330 families.
Fleet Impact & Network Recovery
Immediate Capacity: Syrian Airlines was already operating a small number of A320s, including YK-AKG and YK-AKH, alongside a Boeing 737-500 (YK-SYR). The arrival of YK-AKI and YK-AKJ will gradually increase the carrier’s available fleet as the two aircraft complete their final preparations for service. Other aircraft, including A340 and ATR aircraft, remain grounded or unavailable for regular operations.
Next Steps: Six additional aircraft are undergoing technical, financial and legal procedures for progressive delivery.
Strategic Goals: The programme aims to improve operational reliability, launch new routes, increase flight frequencies and support Syria’s regional and international reconnection, including the resumption or expansion of services to destinations such as Moscow and the restoration of domestic connectivity, including passenger services to Deir ez-Zor.
Source: AeroMorning
